William Maley

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 arrived as an all-new compact crossover built around Mazda's SKYACTIV technology, offering best-in-class fuel economy alongside a sporty, driver-focused character rare in the segment. The Grand Touring trim added leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloys, and a TomTom navigation system to an already well-rounded package. Available in both FWD and AWD configurations, the CX-5 was priced to start at $20,695, making it a strong value proposition against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. Read the 2013 Mazda CX-5 article .

Fiat introduced the 500 Abarth for the US market as a 2012 model, bringing the Abarth performance variant of the iconic 500 hatchback to American showrooms for the first time. Power comes from a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbocharged four-cylinder producing 160 horsepower, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Sport-tuned suspension, a performance exhaust with a distinct Abarth note, aggressive exterior graphics, red brake calipers, and the iconic Scorpion badge set the 500 Abarth apart from the standard 500 in both appearance and driving character.

Cadillac revealed the all-new 2012 XTS at the Los Angeles Auto Show, positioning it as the replacement for both the DTS and STS in the brand's premium luxury sedan lineup. The XTS is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. Available technology includes Magnetic Ride Control and the debut of Cadillac's CUE touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2013 Ford Escape marked a dramatic third-generation redesign, moving from a truck-based platform to Ford's Global C unibody architecture shared with the Focus and giving the compact SUV a far sportier, more car-like character than its predecessor. Bold styling with C-clamp headlights and a wide trapezoidal grille set it apart from anything in the segment at launch. Three engine choices were available: a 2.5-liter Duratec four-cylinder, a 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo, all paired with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2013 Ford Mustang brought a significant S197 facelift with a revised front fascia, new HID projector headlights, and redesigned sequential LED taillights. The lineup covered a wide range of performance tastes, from the base V6 coupe and convertible through the 5.0-liter V8 GT, the track-focused BOSS 302, and the supercharged GT500 Shelby at the top. Ford also added Track Apps performance timing functions to the instrument cluster across the range.

Press photos for the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, featuring exterior shots and interior detail photos. See our <a href="https://www.cheersandgears.com/articles/entry/1002-quick-drive-2013-chevrolet-spark/">Quick Drive: 2013 Chevrolet Spark</a> review.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket at the 2011 LA Auto Show.